What we thought we "knew" and what we know now

They Aren't Who We Thought A quarter of the 2009 college football season is in the rearview mirror for most teams, and conference play is beginning t...

Alabama finishes strong in Week 1 win

For three quarters, Alabama looked like a distracted team. In the fourth quarter, however, the Tide played like one of the best teams in the country, writes Mark Schlabach.

Tide, Tech looking for strong start

Alabama is acutely aware of how high you can climb with a big win in Week 1. Virginia Tech knows how hard it is to bounce back from a loss. Both teams are looking to make a strong first impression, writes Mark Schlabach.

Anticipating a season like no other in recent memory

...play both positions. Eldridge is said to be as good a blocker up front as OU has. Alabama versus Virginia Tech will be a demolition derby on the lines. The Tide are replacing Outland Trophy...

The top 10 villains in college football

...or too-good-to-be-true types. Instead, I'm listing the brash, stir-the-pot characters: Alabama coach Nick Saban: It's not just fans in south Florida and in Louisiana who are sour...

Blog Entry | Conversation | August 17, 2009

Alabama spring wrap-up

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low Alabama Crimson Tide 2008 overall record: 12-2 2008 conference record: 8-1 Returning starters Offense: 4; Defense...

Qualities of excellent coaches

...entry about the validity of Utah as a top team in 2008 (after the Utes had dumped Alabama in the Sugar Bowl). A few readers downplayed it, claiming the Tide really didn't want to...

Blog Entry | Conversation | July 23, 2009

Top 25 Intel: No. 8 Alabama

A great defense and a friendly schedule might save a growing offense in Tuscaloosa

Story | Conversation | June 24, 2009

Smith probe reveals nothing improper

The Alabama attorney general has closed the investigation into whether Crimson Tide tackle Andre Smith had improper dealings with a sports agent.

Big 12, SEC continue to dominate

With spring practices over, and the start of the season less than four months away, it's time to take a look at the revised way-too-early 2009 Top 25.

Six teams vying for BCS title game

The revised Top 25 is out, but which teams are the legit contenders for BCS bowl games?

Agent: Bengals OT Jones on way out

Now that Cincinnati drafted coveted left tackle Andre Smith in the first round, the Bengals' former starter at the position expects to be moved at any moment.

NCAA FOOTBALL: SEP 27 Alabama v Georgia September 27, 2008: Alabama offensive lineman Andre Smith (71) blocks Georgia DE Demarcus Dobbs (58...

Smith looks to redeem his status

Only time will tell whether Alabama tackle Andre Smith can manage to erase the stigma of his abrupt departure from the NFL combine.

Smith grilled at Alabama's pro day

Andre Smith set about trying to repair his reputation the same place he worked to build it: on Alabama's practice field.